This is one of the first jamborees of the year and registration is open. The cap for this year’s jamboree is 250, and 198 have already registered. You will need to act quickly to get in on this incredible opportunity. Registration fees of $150 include three guided rides, a long-sleeve jamboree T-shirt, two dinners, a swag bag and a chance to win great raffle prizes. This year, the BLM is requiring an extra $21 to ride on our land regulated by the government.

This jamboree opens the beauty of Kanab’s red rock country to you. You will see treasures in the backcountry you would not find on your own. Guides will take you to hidden gems like dinosaur tracks, fascinating Anasazi rock art, dunes, slot canyons, rock alcoves, scenic vistas and historic pioneer sites.

New for last year were two rides to Peekaboo Slot Canyon and Coral Pink Sand Dunes. Two new rides have been added to this year’s schedule – Cottonwood Canyon and Kitchen Corral. Riders will meet their guides at the trailheads instead of meeting in town and caravanning to the sites.

Cottonwood Canyon

Lynn Blamires, Special to the Standard-Examiner

The Cottonwood Road will take you through the Grand Staircase Escalante National Monument passing several areas of interest on the way to the famous Grosvenor Arch. These include views of the Cockscomb with its colorful rock formations and interesting local history.

Kitchen Corral

You will experience miles of natural beauty as you pass through the Grand Staircase Escalante National Monument. The ride will follow a portion of the Great Western Trail with spectacular views of the White and Pink Cliffs. The ride will feature interesting rock formations and incredible views of the Paria River Canyon.

The jamboree opens on May 7 allowing riders to check in, pick up registration packets and become more acquainted with the itinerary. Guides will be available to discuss details about trails being offered.

Fifteen different rides are being offered that you can choose from each day of the Jamboree. After you have ridden three, you won’t be able to resist coming back next year for more.

Lynn Blamires, Special to the Standard-Examiner

Registration is open and available at https://utazatvclub.regfox.com. Here you will see the schedule of events and a description of each ride offered. The Montezuma Trails are some of the best Utah has to offer. I know because I have ridden some of them. Here is my commentary on some of the rides being offered:

Dianas Throne

This was a new ride for me last year. It is listed as an extreme ride due to a crossing of Devil’s Throat where you clamber up steep slick rock peaks and plunge down the sharp faces on the other side. I wasn’t sure I wanted to go, but Mike Reed, an event organizer, told me to stop being such a baby. It features spectacular views of Zion and the White Cliffs beyond Dianas Throne. It was a great ride.

Hoodoo Run

The Hoodoos that spawned the name of this ride are found in Brown Canyon. The ride starts from Johnson Canyon Road and proceeds to the Cowboy Cave Petroglyphs. After circling the Pinnacles, the ride goes by some amazing views at Cutler Point and then into Brown Canyon. I love a good Hoodoo, but the draw for me is a chance to see the Native American water glyphs featured on this ride. I have written about these before and they are fascinating.

Photo supplied

Poverty

This ride stages off to the west of the road that goes through the tunnel in Zion National Park. It drops down winding switchbacks through the beautiful White Cliffs with stunning views of the East Fork of the Virgin River Gorge. Climbing the slick rock on this trail was a highlight of the ride. These are parts of Utah that you will never see from the highways.

The jamboree season is just starting in Utah and I couldn’t be more excited. When you go, take plenty of water, keep the rubber side down and get out of the cold and into the backcountry of Kanab. I will see you there.

Contact Lynn R. Blamires at quadmanone@gmail.com.